Chaparral Ecosystem

By: Jamya & Michaela

Chaparral Ecosystem

By: Jamya & Michaela

Climate conditions of Chaparral

The Chaparral climate changes throughout the months/seasons. Winters there tend to be very mild with temperatures around 50 degrees fahrenheit. Summers are unique in the in the biome, because while it can be very hot temperatures can also drop down to nearly freezing in the summer time. The average rainfall in the Chaparral can be 10 to 17 inches.

Plants in the Chaparral

Four types in the Chaparral are the toyon, chamise, poison oak, and a yucca.

A toyon is an evergreen Californian shrub of the rose family, the fruiting branches of which are also used for Christmas decorations.

A chamise is a evergreen shrub with small narrow leaves, only common in the Chaparral.

A Poison Oak plant is a North American climbing shrub of the cashew family, related poison ivy and having similar properties.

A Yucca a plant of the agave family with stiff swordlike leaves and spikes leaves and spikes of white bell-shaped flowers that are dependent on the yucca moth for fertilization, found especially in warm regions of North America & Mexico.

Animals in the Chaparral

Four types of animals in the Chaparral are grey kangaroo's, elephant's, condor's, and black-tailed jackrabbit's. These animals all have the ability to survive in extreme climates like the Chaparral, so therefore they're characteristics are great for living in the Chaparral environment. The black jackrabbit has huge ears, so it can regulate it's body heat by increasing and decreasing the blood flow through it's ears. This helps the rabbit absorb heat or cool off. The elephant contains heat from its humongous ears. The kangaroo stays warm because of its fluffy fur, and the condor gets heat from it's thick skin.

Soil Conditions

Chaparral soils are usually shallow and infertile. The soil is very nutrient poor. The Chaparral isn't a good place to plant/grow food, because of the poor soil conditions.